New timeline given for brewery i

LENOIR CITY — The personal deadline for the founder of the Tennessee Brew Works to open a brewery in Lenoir City involves cooking up a bunch of crawfish.

Christian Spears divulged the goal during a Lenoir City Council meeting while presenting an updated timeline for what will be the second location for the company — which was established in 2013.

“Full disclosure, I just want to have a crawfish boil,” said Spears, who’s originally from Maryland. “We do one in Nashville and it’s so fun. It’s a great community event, and by the end of March (2025), I think, would be a wonderful time to do that.”

'GOING TO FIT RIGHT IN'

When the craft brewery announced its intentions for the Lenoir City Barrel House in September 2022, the plans were for it to open this spring. Alas, spring has sprung, and Spears is now hoping to break ground at the former fire station at 200 East Depot Street within a couple months.

In one version of the timeline, there could be a soft opening before the end of the year. But the ultimate goal is for a grand opening in 11 months.

“It’s in the hands of the appraisers and the bank. I think we’re going to be okay there, of course,” Spears, who is also the company’s president, said during the April 8 meeting. “And then from there, construction.”

Renderings for the local brewery depict a courtyard with picnic tables, exposed beer barrels, stages for live music and a restaurant. They also show a sleek black exterior on the second level of the old fire station, which was built in the 1960s and closed in 2020.

Spears pointed out that the renderings are intended to become real and tangible, including the images of children hanging out alongside adults. The local location will be family-friendly and feature a kids menu.

After the presentation concluded, Council member Jennifer Wampler told Spears that she had “the most fun” visiting the taproom in Nashville.

“You’re going to fit right in and we really anticipate all the good things you’re going to bring,” she said. “Looking forward to it.”

MORE SPORTS, FOOD

Compared to the Nashville brewery, the Lenoir City facility will have a stronger focus on sports and a food program that’s about four times bigger. It will also produce mixed fermentation beers, which have a great shelf life and can be shipped overseas in cans with Lenoir City printed on the side, according to Spears.

The company’s stated mission is to create high-quality craft beer that pays homage to the land, traditions and culture of Tennessee. It created the state’s first all-Tennessee grain beers in 2018 and has partnered with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and Tennessee State Parks.

Mayor Tony Aikens thanked Spears for being present to provide the update, as members of the public have been asking if the brewery was still coming to Lenoir City.

“I think it’s going to be great for the downtown area, and we certainly look forward to having you downtown,” Aikens said.

Spears acknowledged he’s been hearing from the public as well, adding that it’s been inspiring during tough moments.

“The town's been so great to us. The words they've used, they've been extremely supportive,” Spears said.

“I think my team's very excited to get started.”